Shin pain, as the name suggests, is pain that occurs in the area of the shin bone. The discomfort often occurs after heavy physical exertion, such as during sports activities, but it can also be caused by various diseases.
What is shin pain?
The generic term shin pain refers to painful discomfort in the area of the tibia, or front of the lower leg. The generic term shin pain refers to painful discomfort in the area of the tibia, or front of the lower leg. It is a symptom that can have different causes. The pain can be pulling or stabbing and can vary significantly in intensity. In most cases, it is only noticeable during exertion; under certain circumstances, however, it can also occur at rest. Often, shin pain occurs when there is increased physical activity. In addition to such harmless overloads, however, they can also be caused by more serious diseases, for example of the bones. The mere designation “shin pain” is therefore only a superficial description of a symptom that requires more detailed examination in the doctor’s office or clinic. Shin splints are quite common, especially in active runners.
Causes
In many cases, the causes of shin pain are due to heavy physical exertion or overuse. Athletes who increase their training workload too quickly therefore not infrequently suffer from the painful complaints. In addition to this unpleasant but relatively harmless cause, more serious diseases can also be the reason for shin pain. Bone or periosteum inflammation in the area of the front lower leg, for example, also causes the typical discomfort, as does tendinitis. Pinched muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the shin also cause pain in this region of the body. This condition is called constriction syndrome and occurs because the lower leg offers relatively little space for the muscles, and swelling quickly causes discomfort. Furthermore, circulatory problems in the legs, tumor formation, certain skin diseases or neurological diseases can also be the causes of shin pain.
Diseases with this symptom
- Osteomyelitis
- Skin diseases
- Circulatory disorders
- Tumor
- Tendonitis
- Tibial plateau fracture
Diagnosis and course
If shin pain occurs more frequently or intensifies, a doctor should be consulted. Since the symptoms are not specific and can indicate a variety of causes, there is first a detailed discussion with the patient. The shinbone itself is examined and examined in detail. In addition, imaging procedures can provide information about the condition of the tibia and the reasons for the complaints. In addition to X-rays, these include ultrasound examinations and computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A blood test in the laboratory shows any changes in the blood count, for example due to increased inflammation levels. If the cause of the shin pain is overuse, the symptoms usually subside on their own after a few days. If the pain is due to another cause, mobility restrictions and/or a chronic course of the complaints may occur in the further course, depending on the disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
Shin pain that occurs for no apparent reason and does not subside on its own after a few days requires medical evaluation in any case. This is especially true if the pain occurs away from physical exertion or exercise and increases in intensity within a short time. It is possible that the complaints are based on bone damage or muscle injury, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. An immediate visit to the doctor is recommended if a rapid increase in pain is observed. If the complaints increase after standing up or significantly impair walking function, this also requires medical clarification. If the pain spreads to the thigh or foot, there may be nerve damage that requires treatment.If shin splint syndrome is suspected, training should be discontinued and a physician consulted immediately. Recurrent or intermittent complaints must also be medically clarified. Shin splints resulting from an accident or fall should be treated in the emergency department to avoid complications such as a fracture or hairline fracture of the tibial plateau.
Complications
Complications can occur with shin splints without and during treatment. The patient’s medical history can provide detailed information about how complications of shin splints can develop and whether any can be expected with treatment. A detailed questioning of the patient is absolutely necessary for this. The doctor can thus determine possible movement restrictions in the patient. Even if this does not directly help anything against the complications of shin pain, it is a basic building block for successful treatment. If there is a restriction in the patient’s movement, the treatment of the pain must be completely different than if it is just a minor accident. Pain that is only temporary can be treated without complications. A cream is sufficient in most cases to relieve the affected area from the pain. In case of a serious injury, the possible complications should be discussed with the patient. The sooner one can start the treatment, the higher are the chances that the doctor can resort to treatment methods that are characterized with fewer complications. This is not only an advantage for the doctor, but also for the treated person himself. During this time, heavy physical activities should be avoided.
Treatment and therapy
Shin pain that occurs as a result of overuse, such as sports activity, does not necessarily require medical treatment. It is often sufficient to take it easy for a few days and to cool the aching shin and perform light massages. Stretching exercises can also help loosen the muscles. Temporarily, it may be advisable to take painkillers if the discomfort is very severe. If the cause of the shin pain is inflammation of the periosteum or bone, for example, the attending physician will prescribe painkilling and anti-inflammatory ointments and tablets to relieve the pain and eliminate the inflammation. If there is a fracture in the tibia, surgery may be necessary. In this, the fracture is fixed with the help of plates or screws. A bottleneck syndrome may also require surgical correction. In all cases, immobilization of the tibia is mandatory to ensure an optimal healing process.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, shin splints do not represent a health-threatening condition and do not require treatment by a physician. In many cases, they occur after a blow or after a fall and are only a temporary symptom. If the shin pain subsides over time and disappears on its own, no treatment is necessary. Painkillers can also be used for a short time to relieve the pain. However, painkillers should never be taken for a long period of time because they damage the stomach. If there is unbearable pain, an X-ray must be taken by a doctor. This may be a hernia. Due to the shin pain, the mobility and mobility of the affected person is severely limited. In case of a fracture of the bone, it takes several months until the patient can walk again. However, there are no further problems or restrictions in this case. Crutches or a wheelchair can be used to maintain mobility. Shin splints often occur, especially in children, because they often fall on the ground while playing and running, injuring their leg.
Prevention
Shin splints can be prevented to some extent by not increasing running training excessively and/or abruptly during sports activities. Regularly scheduled exercises to strengthen the muscles in the front of the lower leg can be helpful, as can acquiring and changing high-quality running shoes more frequently.However, if symptoms occur that do not subside on their own, a visit to the doctor is advisable.
What you can do yourself
In most cases, shin pain occurs only temporarily in people and disappears again on its own. If the shin pain occurs after a sports load or other heavy activity, the leg must be rested in any case. To soothe the leg, pain-relieving ointments can be used, which at the same time cool the shin. If the pain is more severe, a cooling pad can also be used. However, if the shin pain persists for a long time and becomes unbearable, a doctor must be consulted. In this case, it may be a fracture, which must be treated by a doctor. Painkillers can also be used for a short time, but they should not be taken for a long period of time. The shin pain can be avoided by regular exercise. In most cases, it helps the patient if the leg is stretched out. In any case, it should not be strained during shin pain. Also, refrain from sports activities and a long running. If, in addition to shin pain, there is also bleeding due to an accident, the leg can be covered with a bandage or a plaster.